Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 20. The annual event is part of Armed Forces Week, which starts on the second Saturday of May every year. The intention of the week is to pay our respect to all of the men and women who have served for the United States Armed Forces. All branches are recognized and honored on this day. It is the perfect time to focus on and appreciate everything that veterans have sacrificed for our freedom – including, sometimes, their limbs.

The harsh reality of war is readily faced by our brave soldiers, and unfortunately, some of our best citizens are put in rough situations. Thousands of veterans lost a limb in combat or as a result of an amputation after being in Iraq and Afghanistan alone.

Solutions

Fortunately, we are in a time where we can make life as comfortable as possible for those who have suffered limb loss, including our veterans. New technology is constantly being invented which not only makes everyday life easier, but also advances a wide range of interests including athletics and exercise. Prosthetic devices are being made more customizable and comfortable, and continue to improve.

Besides the physical conflicts, many veterans are faced with mental conflicts like PTSD after coming back from battle. There are many treatment centers, group therapies, and psychologists that can assist in moving past this. If you or someone you know seems to be feeling symptoms, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Keep these organizations that aim to help veterans with limb loss in mind.

Saying Thank You

Armed Forces Day reminds us to thank our veterans, but we should carry that reminder with us throughout the year. Both through words and actions, there are many ways to says thanks. There are programs for anything you can imagine. Writing thank-you notes to veterans or current soldiers, donating money to help veterans receive a prosthesis, visiting a VA, and countless other appreciative actions are possible through selfless people starting organizations. If you personally know a veteran, take the time to say thank you throughout the year.

We Thank You

BioTech has had the fortune to work with many different heroes, and we are thankful for everyone who has fought for our country. If you are in need of a prosthesis and interested in finding the best path for you, contact us today.

The Grand Slam Tennis Tournament is about to enter its second stage at the Roland Garros in Paris. After that, it will proceed to New York City for the US Open. While we watch these great players perform, we can also spend some time playing ourselves–even if we’ve experienced limb loss.

Fortunately, playing tennis with a prosthetic leg is fairly easy to do. Whether you are playing competitively or just hitting the ball around with friends, learn how to stay comfortable while playing and find out the right equipment to use.

Why Tennis?

Tennis is a perfect activity for someone who has experienced limb loss and is trying to become more active. You obviously need to feel comfortable being active in your prosthesis already, but playing tennis will help you handle turns, short sprints, and pivots while allowing you to enjoy yourself at the same time.

You can also play at the speed you choose, whether it’s soft lobs back and forth with a friend or a more competitive speed round. Start slow, get acquainted, and see if this is the sport for you. For those who enjoy it, there are tennis clubs across the country that you can play in, and specialized camps for those looking to play other adaptive tennis players.

Preparing

As we said earlier, a large positive of playing tennis is the ability to choose your own pace. The quality of your equipment will change as you become a more active player. Some ways you can help yourself adjust to being more physically active are frequently exercising your core, discussing the parts of your prosthesis with your specialist, and joining a group to motivate you to continue playing. Practice moving in a controlled environment to get adjusted to your equipment and make sure it fits well for physical activity.

Equipment

Fortunately, we live in a time where technology for limb loss is improving every day. Talk to your prosthetist and let them know what you are trying to accomplish, and they will help you find the right fit for you. There is a wide range of athletic prosthetics available, and it is important to match the one that fits you and your goals the best. If you get a new prosthesis, it is important to wear it in for a bit before using it competitively.

Let BioTech Help!

BioTech specializes in using the best and most up-to-date technology to make your everyday life as simple as possible. This includes hobbies and sports like tennis. We want to make sure you have the most comfortable and quality prosthesis, and we will work with you to make sure you achieve everything you want to accomplish. Contact us for more information.

There are many concerns when dealing with pregnancy, and having a prosthesis can add a couple more. While many people go through this particular situation, there is not an excess of information available about it — so we wanted to provide some answers. Read on!

Having a socket made of flexible material, like the BioTech Comfort Socket System, that can adapt to your body throughout the pregnancy is crucial and should be a top priority. If you have a hard time finding this or you are not comfortable in your socket, talk to your prosthetist about getting a larger socket. It may be a bit too big at first, but find one that you will grow into later in the pregnancy. In some situations, you may not feel comfortable wearing your prosthesis in the last few months. If this happens, then crutches or a wheelchair can be used for transportation.

Childbirth

Preparing for the actual moment of childbirth can feel overwhelming, but it is important to remember to stay calm and collected. You can choose whether or not to wear your prosthesis. Many people choose not to so as to keep their prosthesis and liner clean, but you should do whatever makes you feel more relaxed.

You can always clean your prosthesis afterwards, if that is what feels best. If you are worried about your residual limb being in pain or a doctor/nurse accidentally hitting a sensitive spot, ask to have a loved one hold your leg. If they do not already know your sensitive areas, make sure to communicate with them before.

Motherhood

Becoming a parent while having a prosthesis can be nerve-wracking at times. Baths, car rides, and changing diapers can be overly difficult if you are not prepared. It helps to get creative with the supplies around you. While changing diapers, for example, find a way to keep your child’s feet up. This could be with cloth or another device that allows you to focus on the cleaning and changing process. When it comes to baths, it may help to find a specialized chair that allows the baby to sit in the water while you wash.

Let BioTech Help You Prepare!

If you are nervous about your pregnancy and parenthood, let us know and we will help find the right equipment and classes for you. This is an exciting time, and while being prepared is important, you must remember that you have the support and strength to excel and begin raising your family! Contact us today for more information.

We’re thrilled about observing Limb Loss Awareness Month 2017, and we’re ready to help make it the best one yet! Keep reading below to find out how you can be a part of this very exciting month.

Hill Day

Come to Washington, D.C. from April 25-26 and talk to your elected officials about issues that have an effect on those with limb loss. Training and networking starts at noon on the 25th, and legislator visitation takes place on the 26th. Among other things, we’ll be addressing insurance fairness for amputees, funding for programs and research that improves life for someone with limb loss, and more.Get more details here.

Harness the Power of Social Media

We all know social media can be an incredibly effective tool for spreading the word about… well, anything.Download the Amputee Coalition toolkit and dedicate your social network pages to Limb Loss Awareness Month! With premade graphics, flyers, and more, you’ll have everything you need to make sure all your friends know how special this month is.

Show Your Mettle

Definitely one of the most loved traditions of LLAM, this is a great opportunity to show exactly what you’re made of!

Book a Speaking Engagement

Whether at your local library, civic group, or church, April is a great month to speak about limb loss and everything it entails. Reach out to organizations around your city and ask them if they’d be interested in having you come speak. Then, use that opportunity to educate the public about limb loss and encourage them to get involved with their elected officials to help amputees live well!

Need More Tips for Limb Loss Awareness Month?

If you’re looking to get involved but you’re not sure how to take the first step, contact BioTech.We love our patients like family, and we’ll do anything to make sure they are loved and celebrated during the month of April (and every other month, for that matter).Contact us today for more information on limb loss, prosthetic devices, and more!

If you’re headed to the beach for the first time after limb loss, you may be wondering if there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do regarding your prosthetic device. The short answer is, yes – there are definitelyspecial considerations to be made as an amputee at the beach! Read on to learn some tips for a beach trip that’s safe and fun.

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Prosthesis in the Car

If you’re driving from your condo to the beach access point, you may be tempted to just leave your prosthesis in the backseat for safekeeping. However, a prosthesis that’s left in a car can get too hot, which can cause the plastic to melt and warp. You don’t want that!

Tip #2: Know How to Use a Prosthesis in the Water

First of all, there are someprostheses that are actually designed to be used in water. After you use one, though, be sure you turn it upside down when you rinse it out because sand and water can get trapped inside. There are also protective covers that you can use on your regular prosthesis to keep it dry, even when it’s completely submerged.

Also, another tip: some prosthetic devices float in the water!

Tip #3: Be Careful with Forearm Crutches

If you’re using forearm crutches at the beach, be aware that they are hollow and can easily fill up with sand and/or water. Also, if part of your crutches are metal ( this really goes for all prosthetic devices), then remember the danger of rust. If your device is exposed to salt water, you need to rinse and dry them well so that they don’t rust.

Let BioTech Help You Recognize Your Possibilities!

We’re committed to helping all of our patients live full, exciting, adventurous lives – and that includes you! If you’re looking for a prosthetist who will help you with everything from the fit of your prosthesis to getting back to your old hobbies, look no further than BioTech.Contact us today to learn more!

After you lose a limb, you may feel like all the goals you had set for yourself are no longer viable. The truth, though, is that there’s usually a way to continue with your passions and dreams, even after an amputation. Read on!

Goal Adaptation

Let’s say your goal was to climb Mount Everest this year, but nowyou’re a double leg amputee and you feel like the dream is impossible. Maybe, instead of giving up altogether, you adapt your goal to fit your new situation.

Instead of climbing Mount Everest this year, give yourself a few years to get more comfortable with leg prostheses and work your way up to Mount Everest. Start with a small mountain and see how it goes. Then try a slightly larger one. Always keep a friend or two with you, and make sure you haveall the necessary gear to do this successfully – and before you know it, you’ll be tackling your dream mountain as a double amputee!

New Goals

Limb loss actually opens up a whole new world of potential goals. Now, whatever you do, you’ll be doing it as an amputee – and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish and how many people admire your persistence.

If your former goal seems too unlikely now, or you’re just not feeling inspired by it anymore, who says you can’t pick a new one? Take up something that interests you and feels more manageable, and then come back to your old goal in the future if you decide you want to!

Former Impossibilities Are Now Possible!

Always wanted to be a motivational speaker, but you never had a platform? Now you do! Consider all the things you weren’t a good candidate for before your limb loss, and then think about whether your amputation has changed that. People who overcome great challenges have lots of opportunities for speaking engagements, school involvement, and even new career paths.

Once you start recognizing all your possibilities, you’ll be setting and achieving goals in no time!

Need Advice for Setting Goals after Limb Loss? Call BioTech!

We love our patients like family – and that means we’re always here to talk, listen, or offer advice.Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help you reach the stars!

Smartphones have a way of making our lives a little easier (well, except when they decide not to work correctly), and that’s also true for people with limb loss. When you’re trying toget back into some kind of routine, it can be helpful to have a handy app on your side, making the road to recovery just a little bit smoother.

Take a look at these apps for people with limb loss, and search for them in your phone’s app store!

Fitness for Amputees

This app calls itself “your portable personal fitness trainer” and offers exercises that are easy to understand, with video examples, that have been developed by an Ottobock physiotherapist. With 3 levels to progress through, this app should be useful for you for a while.

Here at BioTech, we believe thatexercise is an essential part of recovery after limb loss. That’s why we think any app that encourages you to challenge yourself and reach your goals is great! If you need a starting point, check out this app, and see if it’s something that appeals to you.

Amputee Coalition inMotion

inMotion Magazine, published 6 times per year, is made especially for people with limb loss and their families. It provides timely, essential information on living with limb loss, and seeks to empower those who’ve become amputees.

So why do we think a magazine app is useful? Because it encourages things we believe in: community, education, and possibilities. When you’re reading about other people with limb loss, and the possibilities you can recognize when you’re inspired by other people, it can do a lot foryour mental and emotional state. So we think this app is a great option!

Need More Resources? Contact Us Today!

One of our favorite things about what we do is working with patients – encouraging them, helping them get a great fit with their prosthesis, and giving them the tools they need to find a sense of normalcy. If you are in need of resources like this,please contact us today – we’re always ready to help!

The American Diabetes Association observesa number of wellness days throughout the year. This month, they will hold American Diabetes Association Alert Day – a one-day event that highlights methods of reversing the risk for diabetes and encourages people from all walks of life to take theType 2 Diabetes Risk Test.

With an estimated 86 million Americans living with prediabetes – 90% of which have no idea that they have it – American Diabetes Association Alert Day is more important now than ever before.

Here are a few ways you can get involved!

Educate Loved Ones about Prediabetes

As the name implies, prediabetes is the condition that comes before full-blown type 2 diabetes. Many people are living with this condition – but they may have no idea that they have it, and so they don’t do anything to reverse it. Other people know they have it, but they’re not aware that they can do something to help, or they don’t think it’s worth changing their lifestyle for.

Type 2 diabetes comes with a lot of serious complications. Fatigue, blurry vision, andcuts or sores that won’t heal are just a few of the symptoms of this condition, and although it’s historically a disease that affects those over 40, it’s starting to show up in younger people – even children.

If your friend or loved one is overweight, sedentary, suffers from high blood pressure, has a family history of type 2 diabetes, is from an ethnic group that has a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, has low good cholesterol levels, or has high triglyceride levels, it’s essential that you talk to them about improving or maintaining their health.

Be Proactive

To start a conversation with your friends, family members, or coworkers,download the e-toolkit for American Diabetes Association Alert Day from the American Diabetes Association website. The toolkit includes social media messages and images, customizable posters, steps for success, and much more.

With type 2 diabetes, time is of the essence. Changes must be made now in order to prevent costly, troublesome, and dangerous health complications down the line.

Why Is BioTech So Passionate about American Diabetes Association Alert Day?

Here at BioTech Limb & Brace, we work with a lot of people who have diabetes and needspecial diabetic shoes. However, selling diabetic shoes to as many people as possible isn’t our focus – our goal is to help people live a long, enjoyable, fulfilling life.

Do we help people with diabetes live comfortably, and do we take great care of them? Of course. But we’re also passionate about the health and wellbeing of our patients – and if there’s a way to help them avoid type 2 diabetes, we’re all about it!

Contact us today for more information on foot orthotics, prosthetic devices, and more.

After limb loss, lots of the things you used to do without thinking about them may suddenly seem challenging.Traveling can be one of those things, and if your friends are making big Spring Break plans, you might be wondering how you can take part without sacrificing your safety or wellbeing. Good news – it’s totally possible to enjoy Spring Break with a prosthesis, and BioTech has all the tips!

Plan Well

Any vacation requires a certain amount of planning, but for those with limb loss, the preparation stage of the trip can be a bit more extensive. Here are a few tips for before you leave:

Pack extra supplies, such as socks, tape,socket liners, tool kit with screwdriver, and plastic bags to put over the prosthesis when you’re near sand or water.

Take your prosthetist’s phone number and email address, just in case something happens to your prosthesis.

Address Travel Concerns

If you’re flying to your destination, make a special request for bulkhead seating. These are the seats at the front of a section, and they face a wall instead of another row of seats. Sitting here will provide you with more space, and usually, airlines reserve these seats for people with disabilities.

Wheelchair assistance is another thing to look into. Even if you can walk to your flight, a wheelchair will get you to the front of a customs line and can keep you from having to endure a strenuous journey between flights or through a large airport.

Loose clothing and shoes that slip on are essential for getting through airport security efficiently. Also, bring a letter from your doctor or prosthetist that explains your need for a prosthesis. This can be vital if a TSA agent questions anything. Expect your device to set off an alarm at security, and be proactive about giving information to agents.

If you’re not flying, consider Amtrak or Greyhound. Both are well equipped to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, and Amtrak even offers a discount as long as you have a letter from your doctor on hand.

Gather Hotel Room Information

Before you arrive at your Spring Break destination, be sure you have called the hotel or condo in advance. Ask to speak with a person who has actually been inside the room and is familiar with its layout. Try to avoid “yes” or “no” questions.

If possible, stay on the first floor – or as close to it as you can get. Not only will this make things easier for you, but if the elevators are turned off during an emergency, you’ll be able to get out as easily as possible. And before you check in, ask to see your room to make sure they have accommodated your needs!

Spring Break with a Prosthesis Can Be Great!

There may be a few more steps to having an awesome Spring Break now that you’re an amputee, but believe us when we say that your vacation can still be everything you want it to be! Take the time to prepare,talk to your prosthetist, and make arrangements that will ensure a smooth experience. We hope you have a wonderful time!

An amputation is a huge life change. When you’re looking toward the day when you become an amputee, it can feel like nothing makes sense anymore – how are you supposed to live a normal life without all of your limbs? What will life be like?What can you do to adjust?

We’ve got five things everyone should know before they go in for their amputation. Read on!

#1: People Stare Because They Are Curious

You’re probably going to feel like everyone is looking at you after your amputation. The truth is that a lot of people will be looking at you – but not because they are judging you or making fun of you! They’re just curious, wondering what your story is, and for a moment they have forgotten that staring tends to make people uncomfortable.

If you want to, it’s sometimes fun to come up with a short (probably false) explanation for your limb loss. Simply barking the words “shark attack” at a person whose stare lingers too long can really relieve the tension! (Unless it really was a shark attack, in which case, it’s your call if you want to be honest or not!)

#2: Beware the Internet

As if there weren’t enough reasons to approach the Internet cautiously, now that you’re going to be an amputee, you’ve got people who range from antagonistic to way too interested about your amputation, trolling you on social media. The block button is your friend; use it liberally.

#3: Get an Amazing Prosthetist

The person who helps you adjust to a prosthetic device can be your greatest asset or a huge obstacle. And believe us, the last thing you need after amputation is another challenge in your life! Make sureyour prosthetist listens well, thinks outside the box, and is as invested in your emotional wellbeing as he or she is in your physical recovery.

#4: It Is Possible to Overdose on Inspiration

We love inspiring stories and the amazing people behind them – but sometimes, it can start to feel like everyone but you is a Paralympic athlete / can drive a car with their toes / is a reality TV star, etc. If the inspiring stories get to be a little too much, just stop looking for a while. Focus on your story, not theirs. After all, your story is every bit as incredible as anyone else’s – it just might not look the same!

#5: You Can Be Active Without Being an Athlete

Speaking of inspiring stories, most of them are about athletes (though we did find some prettyincredible politicians, too). So if you’re not an athlete, how can you still be active? Good news – there are plenty of ways! Dancing, walking,doing basic exercises while you watch TV, or just flailing around and being silly – these are all great ways to get your blood pumping. You don’t need to be jumping hurdles with a leg prosthesis in order to be an in-shape amputee!

BioTech Is Here – Before and After Amputation

Feeling uncertain about life after amputation? We get it, and we’re here to talk you through every step of your journey.Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help you recognize all your possibilities as a person with limb loss!